Idaho Inmate Pleads Guilty to Escape After Hospital Attack: Facing Potential Life Sentence

BOISE, Idaho – An Idaho inmate who escaped custody from a hospital in March, following a violent altercation with corrections officers, has pleaded guilty to escape charges. Skylar Meade, the inmate in question, entered his plea in 4th District Court on Wednesday, facing the potential of additional felony enhancements that could extend his sentence.

The incident unfolded on March 20 at a Boise hospital as officers from the Idaho Department of Correction were preparing to return Meade to prison post-treatment for injuries. The situation escalated when Nicholas Umphenour shot two correctional officers, with a third officer being injured in the chaos. Meade and Umphenour managed to flee the scene, eventually getting arrested the next day in southern Idaho after a brief stint in north-central Idaho.

Meade now awaits sentencing in July, possibly facing a life sentence for his actions. Meanwhile, Umphenour is dealing with charges of aggravated battery on law enforcement officers, firearm use during a crime, and aiding and abetting escape. He is yet to enter a plea but has a hearing lined up later this month.

Additionally, Meade is confronted with felony enhancements due to allegations regarding his involvement in causing harm to two of the officers. His defense attorney and Umphenour’s public defender were not immediately available for comments on the matter.

The upcoming court proceedings will shed more light on the intricate details of the case, highlighting the severity of the incident and the legal consequences facing the involved individuals. As the judicial process unfolds, the community remains vigilant, seeking justice and accountability for the safety and well-being of all law enforcement officers.